Pilates Matwork Teacher Training

SoulSpace Certification & YMCA Diploma

Why Pilates Matwork?

The SoulSpace Pilates Matwork Training Programme is the most in-depth, in-person and comprehensive Pilates training course in the UK. We are also the only studio in the UK to offer a Level 4 Pilates certification, providing an advanced standard of education that goes beyond foundational teacher training.

The course develops a deep understanding of movement, anatomy, biomechanics and Pilates practice through structured learning and practical application.

Designed for those progressing towards teaching, as well as practitioners wishing to deepen their personal practice, the programme helps students build both technical knowledge and the confidence to apply Pilates principles with clarity and intention.

Led by Teacher Trainers Owen Hutchinson and Pippa Travers, the programme combines online study, in-person training weekends, self-practice and guided teaching development within a grounded and supportive learning environment.

Pilates teacher trainer demonstrating hands-on assessment and movement coaching techniques during professional instructor training at SoulSpace Academy.
Welcoming barn studio at SoulSpace Academy designed for yoga, Pilates and movement teacher training programmes.
SoulSpace Academy teacher training course handbook supporting student learning and professional development.

Pilates Matwork Programme Snapshot

Programme: SoulSpace Pilates Matwork Certification

Qualifications:
- SoulSpace Level 3 Diploma in Pilates Matwork Instruction (Foundations of Pilates, Anatomy & Physiology, Classical Pilates, Contemporary Pilates, Teaching skills for groups and individuals, Health & Safety)
- SoulSpace Certificate 4 in Pilates Matwork Instruction (Injuries & Special Populations, Applied Intelligent Teaching Practices, Class Planning & Intelligent Cueing Mastery)
- YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Pilates Matwork Instruction (complete additional assessments to achieve YMCA accreditation)

Programme Length: 4 to 6 months of course attendance to acheive your first qualification to begin teaching professionally.
A further 6 months to 12 months of mentorship and Graduate Teacher Program while you complete Cert IV and YMCA requirements to achieve additional certificates.

Format: Integrated online study, four printed manuals, six in-person training weekends (16 days total), self-practice, and practical teaching development

Mentorship & Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP): following a successful initial practical assessment, you are invited to participate in ongoing regular mentorship sessions and teach real classes at Ebb&Flow studios for real world experience.

Training Location: Ebb&Flow Barn, Petersfield

Teacher Trainers: Owen Hutchinson & Pippa Travers

Investment: £3,475

Deposit: £750 required to confirm your place (non-refundable)

Payment Options: Flexible payment plans available

Next start date: 05 September 2026

View full list of workshop dates: here

Ebb&Flow Membership: 6-months included, up to £549 value

Refreshments: a variety of wholesome snacks, herbal teas, and bean-to-cup coffee available on in-person training days

Equipment: A considered selection of Pilates equipment, including: ring, ball, roller, and resistance band, yours to keep

Student Experience: includes all the wider benefits and support outlined in the SoulSpace Student Experience

Training Guarantee: If you do not pass your practical assessment, you are invited to repeat any or all of the course next intake, completely complimentary.

Training Timeline

In-person Training

(5-6 months)

Multiple workshops

Initial Assessment

SoulSpace Level 3 Pilates Matwork Certification

(Qualified to begin teaching)

Mentorship & Graduate Teacher Programme

(6 months)

Mentorship, practice, observation, student teaching

Completion of Further Qualifications

YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Pilates Matwork Instruction

SoulSpace Certificate 4 in Pilates Matwork Instruction

A Mentorship-led Approach

This SoulSpace Certified programme is YMCA-accredited and developed by Owen Hutchinson and Pippa Travers, combining practical teaching experience with a mentorship-led approach to Pilates Matwork education.

Designed to develop a deeper understanding of movement, anatomy, biomechanics, and Pilates, the programme blends in-person training weekends with online, self-practice, independent study and guided teaching development within a grounded and supportive learning environment.

Teacher training student taking notes and reflecting on key concepts during a SoulSpace Academy training workshop.

Rather than focusing solely on choreography and sequencing, students are supported in building technical understanding, teaching clarity, and confidence in applying Pilates principles within a professional studio setting.

Owen leads the in-person training weekends, drawing on more than 20 years of teaching and studio ownership experience across Australia and the UK. Pippa guides the online learning modules and tutorials, with a focus on anatomy, movement understanding, and practical application.

Students observing movement assessment and exercise technique demonstration during Pilates teacher training at SoulSpace Academy.

  • a Pilates enthusiast ready to deepen your practice or progress toward teaching

  • a yoga, fitness, or movement professional looking to expand your anatomical knowledge and teaching scope

  • someone considering a transition into health and wellbeing

  • a practitioner who values mentorship, depth, and long-term development over fast-track qualifications

  • a teacher wanting to understand bio-mechanical movement, rather than simply memorise exercises

This training is suited to those wishing to develop a deeper understanding of movement, biomechanics, and Pilates practice within a structured and supportive learning environment.

You may be:

Who is this training for?

This programme is suited to committed students who are willing to apply themselves fully, complete the required practice hours, and engage fully with both the practical and theoretical aspects of the training.

Teacher training student participating in group discussion and collaborative learning at SoulSpace Academy.

What You’ll Study & Practise

Pilates Foundations

Pilates in context within health, fitness, and the wider wellness industry

The history of Pilates and the foundations of Contrology

Modern Pilates and contemporary movement science

Anatomy

Anatomy, physiology, and the nervous system in movement and learning

Posture assessment and movement patterns

Injury modification and working with special populations

Teaching Skills

The principles of Pilates and effective cueing techniques

Planning and sequencing for private and group classes

Practical teaching and observation development

Pilates Matwork Practice

The six starting postures and 70+ Mat Pilates exercises

Progressions, regressions, and exercise variations

Practical use of props including the Pilates ring, ball, foam roller, resistance band, and hand weights

Expanded Understanding of Movement

Explore other complementary concepts within the wider movement landscape of Pilates

Why choose this Pilates Matwork training programme?

What experience do I need to join the Pilates Matwork programme?

Training Guarantee

If you do not pass your programme assessment, you may reenrol in the next available Pilates Matwork training programme at no further cost.

Meet the Teachers

This Pilates Matwork training programme is led by Owen Hutchinson and Pippa Travers.

Owen Hutchinson, Pilates educator and teacher trainer at SoulSpace Academy, leading professional movement education programmes.
Pippa Travers, Pilates educator and teacher trainer at SoulSpace Academy, specialising in movement education and instructor development.

Request Details

Interested in one of our SoulSpace Academy training programmes? We’d love to hear from you. If you’re unsure which training pathway is right for you, we’re here to guide you.